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Henry Atkin from Purdey’s, flawless 12g sidelock ejector
Guns International #: 101120838 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Purdey Shotguns - Atkin Grant & Lang Shotguns
Seller's Information
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Seller: brandonhal
Company:
Member Since: 2/23/14
First Name: Brandon
Last Name: Halstead
State: State not Found
Zip: 09468
Country: United Kingdom
Phone:
Fax:
Number of Active Listings: 4
Total Number of Listings: 29
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: paypal; certified bank check
Description:
Henry Atkin from Purdey’s, flawless 12g sidelock ejector.
Extraordinary Purdey-quality craftsmanship by the Henry Atkin family. Reasonable offers considered. Henry Atkin (Sr.) was reputedly James Purdey’s first craftsman hired in 1814, and was later joined by his son Henry Atkin (Jr.), who apprenticed with his master-craftsman father and worked for Purdey until 1866, before branching out and later establishing his own manufacture of Best quality guns.
Accordingly, Henry Atkin signed his guns “Henry Atkin, from Purdey,” in homage and recognition of their lineage from Purdey’s training, quality and influence. The “spring opener” employed by Atkin is the same Beesley action used by Purdey, and his dedication to Purdey-level excellence was reflected in each gun he made. Terry Wieland observed that “from the beginning, Atkin made very high quality guns” (Vintage British Shotguns). Notes British shotgun specialist Jack Rowe agreed: “Guns made by this company have always been of the highest quality;” while expert George Caswell described “Atkin’s general quality is excellent.”
This exceptional 12-gauge sidelock ejector has virtually NO flaws. Bright brushed-finished sidelocks are hand-engraved in extremely fine detailed acanthus scrollwork and beaded borders, with the maker’s name “HENRY ATKIN” boldly placed on both locks in a cartouche surrounded by ornate scrolls. The underside floorplate is likewise engraved in incredible detail and signed “HENRY ATKIN FROM PURDEY'S”. Continued acanthus scroll engraving throughout the trigger guard, top-strap, and toplever, with beautiful scrolling acanthus vines on the fences and onto the game rib at the breech.
There is a gold-inlaid “2” on the toplever and game rib, and gold inlaid “SAFE” detail on the automatic safety. As with many number “2” guns from a set, the second gun often saw very little use. This model is no exception and appears to have been seldom used. Absolutely gorgeous brown Damascus barrels with an amazing tight twist pattern, reflecting a true mastery of this art of barrel making. Right barrel is engraved with maker’s name “HENRY ATKIN LTD.”, while the left barrel is engraved with their London address at “27. ST. JAMES'S ST. LONDON. S.W.” This is an early Atkin gun with matching serial numbers “86x” throughout the gun on the trigger guard mount, action, barrels, and fore-end. The makers are still building best qualify firearms after their merger as Atkin Grant & Lang. They have confirmed that this gun was completed circa 1895/1896.
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Antique proof marks on the barrel flats reflect the original “13/1” (.719) bore diameters when it was originally black powder proof, as well as the original black powder London proof marks, including the definitive proof mark “GP” under a crown, view mark “V” under a crown, and the provisional proof mark lion rampant over intertwined letters “GP”. Original antique load measurements for 2 & ½” chambers reflected in “1 & 1/8” markings. Both chokes are measured as cylinder (“12 C”).
Contemporary London proof marks show that it has undergone more recent British Nitro Proof (NP) testing with the London arm dexter in armour holding a scimitar, with contemporary measurements and standard nitro proof compliance. There is also a crown and script “R” denoting an even more recent reproof. As with most Damascus barrels, these are lightweight and responsive, are 27” in length with a brass sight bead on the end, and make for an outstanding dove, quail, woodcock, and upland game gun. Barrels have excellent measurements, with current bore diameters of .731+ and .731-, and 22+ thousandth for the right wall thickness, and 23 thousandth for the left wall thickness. The interior of the bores are absolute mirrors with no marks or pitting whatsoever.
As Terry Wieland highlights in his book “Vintage British Shotguns,” he states “If you buy an English gun with Damascus barrels and the proof marks show it has been nitro proofed – that is, proven with smokeless powder – you know it’s safe to shoot with loads of the length and gauge marked.”
The highly figured walnut stock has crisp checkering throughout the hand and a beautifully-pattered dark grain, a brass oval on underside of stock suitable for engraving, finely engraved thumb release and gold inlaid “SAFE” automatic safety mechanism at the hand, a 14 & 5/8” stock length with buttplate, and a 15” pull. Strong auto-ejectors. The barrels lock up tight with absolutely no play in the action, and a completely spotless interior; there are no powder marks, residue, or even superficial discoloration – the entire action, breech face, and interior is flawless. Sharply checkered fore-end wood with acanthus engraved base, engraved diamond-shaped center inlay, and engraved fore-end tip with gold-inlaid “2” below the Anson plunger release. Superb handling with a total weight of only 6 lbs. 9 oz.
This is an investment-grade antique that can be taken into the field without the worry or expense of spending five or six figures, offering the opportunity to actually hunt with and use one of the best guns made by a Purdey-trained master-craftsman. I have found virtually no cosmetic blemishes on the gun, other than one tiny rub near the top of the left lock, despite being a 120+ year old antique. Exceptional, beautiful condition, with hand-made quality apparent throughout its manufacture. A fine example of the extraordinary skill involved in UK gun-making, from a master who learned from arguably the world’s best shotgun maker during his time with James Purdey & Sons. With the growing popularity of wildfowling using classic British shotguns, this is a great combination of beauty and function without breaking the bank. Affordable luxury; ready for your next century of shooting!
This is a pre-1898 firearm and qualifies as an antique with direct shipment to the purchaser. We are a US military family stationed in the UK, and ship via Royal Mail or FedEx at an insured and flat rate of $125 to fully cover insurance; usually takes about a week to arrive in the US. Online member since 2002 with 100% positive feedback. Payment via PayPal or certified bank check accepted. Please note I am not a dealer and not an expert, but a private collector, have tried to enter all the details I am aware of for this gun, and will try to answer any questions as best I can. I am downsizing my collection and hope to find other US enthusiasts of classic English shotguns to re-home a few of these pieces. This is the gun I have been most reluctant to part with, but with two full gun safes, it’s time to downsize. Thanks for your interest. Key words: sxs shotgun, side by side, British, English, double barrel, 12 gauge, 12 ga, 12g, side lock, sidelock, Purdy, Holland & Holland, Boss & Co.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Henry Atkin
Model: best sidelock ejector
Serial Number: 86x
Bore: .731+ & .731-
Chambers: 2.5
Ejectors: yes
Condition: excellent
Wood Condition: highly figured
Bore Condition: mirror
Barrels: 27
Barrel Type: Damascus
Triggers: 2x
Gauge Info: 12
Stock: straight-hand English
Stock Dimensions:
14 & 5/8
Butt Pad: yes
LOP: 15
Rib: raised game
Weight: 6 lbs. 9 oz.
Choke Left: cyl
Choke Right: cyl
Proof:Nitro: yes, British Nitro Proof & reproof
Minimum Wall Thickness Left: 23,000
Minimum Wall Thickness Right: 22,000+